Gingerbread decorating contest this Saturday

Posted
Thursday, November 29, 2012 3:26 pm

The Artists’ Exchange has announced its 8th annual Gingerbread House Decorating Contest to be held this Saturday, Dec. 1, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Artists’ Exchange, located at 50 Rolfe Square in Cranston.

Participants start with a simple graham cracker construction and craft it into a work of art. Armed with 30 minutes and access to heaping supplies of frosting and a variety of colorful candy, the possibilities are endless. With no age limit, everyone is invited to join in on the fun. While participants can take their houses home that day, they are invited to submit their creations for judging in their corresponding age category.

Families can also opt to work on a house together and be judged in a separate family category. Participating houses will be photographed and the winners will be announced online by Dec. 3. Prizes include free classes at Artists’ Exchange, valued at up to $200.

"Gingerbread house making is an old world craft. It has been around for ages. So it’s really fun to take a modern spin on it, creating a fun and high energy event around a classic holiday tradition," says Karen Bouchard, Visual Arts Director at Artists' Exchange.

Bouchard says attendance grows every year, so she and the staff are gearing up for a crowd. Construction has already begun, and with the help of volunteers Artists’ Exchange plans to reach a goal of 600 houses.

Also included in the weekend’s festivities will be holiday crafts, grab bags, raffles, face painting and a series of holiday photo booths. Local professional photographer Nicole Gesmondi will be on hand to photograph attendees interacting with a mural depicting the abominable snowman, posing in front of a giant gingerbread house, or commemorating the day with a photo of their completed gingerbread creations. All class registrations processed on the day of the event will qualify for 20 percent off tuition.

The cost for participating in the 8th annual Gingerbread House Decorating Contest is $12 per house. Reservations are strongly recommended; for reservations call 490-9475. For more information visit www.artists-exchange.org.